Four years following the onset of the COVID pandemic, public concern has shifted towards another virus: highly pathogenic avian influenza A, also known as H5N1. This virus has sparked a series of outbreaks across dairy farms in the U.S., with a few cases reported in humans, raising alarm.
Historically, viruses primarily impacting birds have demonstrated the ability to cross over to humans, a phenomenon known as zoonotic transmission. This crossover has been observed with several viruses, including Ebola, SARS-1, MERS, Lyme disease, and probably SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19.
Bird flu, or H5N1, has existed for a considerable time, occasionally infecting humans with severe consequences. However, widespread human infections have not yet occurred. Nonetheless, a global bird flu pandemic in birds and other animals has wreaked havoc for over three years, decimating wildlife populations and causing disruptions across various regions.
Bird Flu Outbreaks Emerge Across the U.S.: Cause for Concern? (Credits: Reuters)
While the global bird flu crisis has not significantly impacted humans thus far, recent outbreaks on dairy farms, which have resulted in at least two human infections, have raised concerns about potential escalation.
The first human case, identified in Texas, is suspected to have occurred due to direct contact with an infected cow, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. The patient exhibited only eye inflammation. This infection followed confirmation that cows were transmitting a new strain of bird flu among themselves, indicating a possible adaptation of the virus to mammalian hosts.
Current bird flu outbreaks in dairy cows have been confirmed in at least six states, with initial cases detected in Kansas and Texas, followed by outbreaks in Idaho, New Mexico, Michigan, and most recently, Ohio. Additionally, the same bird flu strain was found in goats on a Minnesota farm previously affected by bird flu in poultry, marking the first confirmed case of bird flu transmission to livestock in the U.S.
Symptoms observed in infected animals include lethargy, decreased appetite, and reduced lactation. Outside of dairy farms, a major egg producer, Cal-Maine Foods, Inc., underwent a bird flu outbreak, resulting in the culling of approximately 1.6 million chickens.
Authorities reassured consumers that there’s no indication of bird flu-infected milk posing a risk, though caution is advised. Preventative measures such as avoiding exposure to infected animals and practicing good hygiene remain crucial.
Dr. William Haseltine suggests adopting precautions akin to those during the COVID-19 pandemic, including mask-wearing in public spaces, thorough handwashing, and considering the use of anti-flu medication when exposed. While the seasonal flu vaccine may not directly protect against cow-derived flu, it can aid in preventing co-infections and guide diagnosis in case of flu-like symptoms with exposure risk factors.
Dr. Georges Benjamin emphasizes the importance of getting the annual flu shot and practicing proper hygiene to mitigate the risk of respiratory diseases. Additionally, avoiding raw or undercooked food, unpasteurized dairy products, and close contact with sick animals is advised.
While the future trajectory of H5N1 remains uncertain, the confirmed cases of human infections signal a need for heightened surveillance and infection control efforts. Vigilance and preparedness are key to mitigating potential outbreaks and safeguarding public health.
